The Capitals have been Cup favorites and they've been playoff underdogs. The results have been the same. They know the only way to prove this team is different is do to something different in the playoffs: nhl.com/news/washingto…

The Capitals will meet the Blue Jackets in the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time in franchise history. Game 1 is Thursday at Capital One Arena (AP Photo/Nick Wass).

By: Ben Raby

WASHINGTON — The Washington Capitals will face the Columbus Blue Jackets in the First Round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The series schedule was released Sunday with Game 1 set for Thursday, April 12, at 7:30 p.m. at Capital One Arena.

Barry Trotz has decided on the Capitals' Game 1 starting goaltender vs. Blue Jackets, but is not revealing his pick yet. My look at what could be a pivotal choice for his and the Caps' future: nhl.com/news/barry-tro…

The 2019 NHL All-Star Weekend in San Jose will be different next season with the skills competition being held on Friday night (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT on Jan. 25) and the all-star game on Saturday night (8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on Jan. 26).